Compounded Medications

Compounded medications provide custom-tailored solutions for various health problems, including hormone imbalances, high blood pressure (hypertension), and chronic pain. At Regenerative Services in Montebello, New York, anti-aging, functional medicine, and regenerative medicine specialist Marina Novie, FNP, prescribes compounded medications to adults. She works closely with a compounding pharmacy to customize the strength and dosage of drugs based on your needs. Call Regenerative Services to schedule a compounded medication consultation, or book your appointment online today.

What are compounded medications?

Compounded medications are drugs formulated for your specific needs. They’re made by combining, mixing, and/or altering ingredients to manage a particular health problem.

Because they’re customized, compounded medications provide a beneficial alternative to traditional drugs. That’s especially true if you:

• Have allergies
• Need a particular dosage or strength
• Require a specific drug combination
• Have a feeding tube or other issues that prevent you from swallowing pills and capsules

Compounded medications can even support your budget. They’re often more affordable than name-brand drugs and can be easier to access.

Do I need a prescription for compounded medications?

In most cases, yes. If Marina determines you could benefit from a compounded medication, she writes a prescription that includes the exact formulation for your needs. Marina sends the prescription to a compounding pharmacy, where a licensed pharmacist prepares it according to her instructions.

Sometimes, compounded medications include over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, like ibuprofen. You might not need a prescription, but it depends on the pharmacy’s location and state laws.

Are compounded medications approved by the FDA?

No. Compounded medications aren’t approved by the US Food and Drug Administration because they use nonstandard ingredients, forms, and dosages. This lack of FDA approval doesn’t mean the drugs are unsafe or don’t work.

That’s because compounding pharmacies are required to use pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. They undergo extensive oversight by the State Board of Pharmacy, which requires all drugs to meet specific safety standards. Further, a law passed in 2013, the Compounding Quality Act, created strong safety protocols that all compounding pharmacies must follow.

What are some common compounded medications?

At Regenerative Services, Marina prescribes various compounded medications, including:

• Painkillers and topical pain creams
• Hormone replacement drugs (for example, estriol, progesterone, and testosterone)
• Suppositories for hemorrhoids and anal fissures
• Crushed tablets for common ailments like high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Weight loss medications (for example, GLP-1 drugs)
• Ointments and lotions for skin problems like psoriasis and eczema

Once the compounding pharmacy completes your order, you pick it up at Regenerative Services.

Are compounded medications safe?

Yes. Compounded medications are safe and usually well-tolerated. Once you start taking a compound drug, Marina monitors your health and symptoms at regular checkups. If the original formulation isn’t effective, she adjusts your prescription as needed to ensure positive results.

Call Regenerative Services to schedule a compound medication consultation, or book your appointment online today.